Dear Dreamers and Doers,

We’re back from an incredible month immersed in the heartbeat of American arts and culture. From the healing harmonies at Chorus America in St. Louis to the powerful advocacy conversations at AFTAcon in Cincinnati, we witnessed something extraordinary: a field that refuses to be diminished, no matter the challenges.

And we have some thoughts.

Stop Being Surprised. Start Being Strategic.

Here’s what we need to talk about, arts family: We have got to stop acting shocked every time we’re attacked, unfunded, or dismissed when politics and priorities shift.

Yes, robust government funding speaks well of a nation, and yes, we’ll keep advocating for it fiercely. But here’s the truth of where we are: We must do a better job of ensuring our communities first know about — and believe in supporting — the arts organizations that enrich their daily lives.

This isn’t about abandoning advocacy. It’s about expanding it beyond the halls of power into the hearts of our neighbors.

The Pivot Problem

Too many of our organizations are stuck in permanent survival mode, constantly pivoting when tough times hit instead of proactively building the community connections that create resilience. This is especially brutal for smaller organizations whose budgets lean heavily on government and NGO grants.

Less pivoting. More pro-activity. That’s the mantra we’re bringing home.

The Healing Power of Connection

At Chorus America, we were reminded why this work matters so profoundly. Soprano Renée Fleming’s presentation on the scientific role of music in physical and mental health through neuroarts research was nothing short of revelation. We heard stories of people recovering from dementia, Parkinson’s, and traumatic injuries through the power of musical engagement.

But perhaps even more powerful was witnessing how choruses are healing our cultural divisions. We were moved by decades-old multicultural choirs and multi-generational women’s chorales exploring stories together through song. No matter how divided our country may be, the choirs of St. Louis and America are holding a glowing torch for what the cultural arts mean to our healing and our future.

When voices unite in harmony, something magical happens that transcends politics, generations, and difference.

“Art Tells the Truth”

This quote, displayed in Cincinnati’s Duncanson Foyer at the Taft Museum of Art, perfectly captured the spirit of AFTAcon 2025. The return of Americans for the Arts after COVID and leadership restructuring was nothing short of the not-to-be-missed event of the decade.

Hearing new CEO Erin Harkey repeatedly say “Tell me what you need” made it clear: this new AFTA is in service to its organizations and the creation of “a just, inclusive, and accessible nation.”

“The road ahead requires courage, collaboration, and our consistent and persistent advocacy,” she declared. And you know what? That’s exactly what we witnessed. Courageous conversations. Deep listening. Bridge-building over challenging currents.

We all left as advocates, aligned with purpose and passion.

The Truth We’re Taking Home

Despite our struggles — maybe because of them — the arts are more inclusive, more resilient, and more connected than ever before.

But resilience isn’t built on hope alone. It’s built on strategic action. On brands that create community connection. On messaging that moves people to action. On relationships that weather storms because they’re rooted in authentic value.

This is where strategic branding and consulting creates the sustainability that addresses community connection essential for resilient operations. This is where the work we do at DRMTM becomes more than pretty logos and compelling copy — it becomes the foundation for organizations that thrive rather than merely survive.

Now Get Back to Work!

The conversations are over. The inspiration is gathered. The path is clear.

It’s time to stop waiting for the next crisis and start building the community connections that will carry us through whatever comes next. It’s time to transform our advocacy from asking for support to earning it through undeniable community value.

The road ahead requires courage. Good thing we’ve got plenty.

Here’s to Building Bridges,

Surale + Laura + Cheryl

P.S. Ready to get courageous with your brand? Our virtual door is always open. Sign up for a complimentary bold conversation with our team today! Click HERE to schedule.